San Francisco’s New Century Chamber Orchestra has appointed acclaimed violinist Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg as its new music director. The New York-based artist begins a three-year contract this fall, the orchestra announced Tuesday.

Salerno-Sonnenberg was chosen from more than 100 candidates to succeed Krista Bennion Feeney, New Century’s music director and concertmaster from 1999 to 2006.

In an unusual two-year audition process, the orchestra hosted a series of guest appearances by top applicants. Four violinists made debuts with the group last season; two have performed this season. Salerno-Sonnenberg appeared in September.

New Century President Paula Gambs said the violinist’s “passion and intensity have captured the hearts of everyone at the New Century Chamber Orchestra. We look forward to an exciting future with Nadja, full of fantastic music and wonderful surprises.”

The violinist will lead four programs a season, beginning when the orchestra opens its 17th season this fall. She said, “Energy, excitement, excellence and the pure joy of performance – this has been my experience with the New Century Chamber Orchestra.”

Salerno-Sonnenberg was awarded the prestigious Avery Fisher Prize in 1999. Born in Rome, she came to the United States at age 8 to study at the Curtis Institute of Music. She also studied with Dorothy DeLay at the Juilliard School. She maintains an international career as a concert artist and recitalist. Stepping outside the conventional realm, she has collaborated with Joe Jackson, the Assad brothers and Mark O’Connor.

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